Cardiology Check Up

It feels like it has been just about forever since I've posted anything heart related. I guess that's a big sign that Santi is a two year old first and an HLHSer second. His heart condition doesn't prevent him from being a normal (wild, unruly, loud, demanding, hilarious) two year old.

We had his six month check up with Dr. Frazer at Rady Children's in SD. The good news is that he is doing great, there is really nothing to report! Except this...
He's ready for his third open heart surgery, The Fontan.
Just to recap, Santi had his first surgery, the Norwood at 4 days old. His second, the Glenn, when he was 3.5 months. It's been a LONG time since we were in-patient at CHLA. He has a good track record of speedy recoveries and few complications. Let's hope (and pray and hope and pray some more) that this surgery goes just as smoothly.

Here's what the CHLA website says: Fontan procedure. This operation allows all the oxygen-poor (blue) blood returning to the heart to flow into the pulmonary artery and lungs, greatly improving the oxygenation of the blood. The Glenn shunt, connecting the superior vena cava to the right pulmonary artery, is left in place. A second connection is made directing blood from the inferior vena cava to the right pulmonary artery as well. This connection can be created in slightly different variations, depending on the method your child's surgeon prefers, and what is best for your child.

We will take Santiago to CHLA the first week of September for his pre-op cardiac catheterization. At that time we'll get a date for the Fontan. Most likely mid October.